KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Bar has issued a powerful call for urgent and systemic action against bullying in schools, citing recent high-profile student deaths as stark reminders of the dangers of unchecked violence in educational institutions.
In a statement released by Malaysian Bar President Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, the legal body condemned the persistence of bullying in schools—spaces meant to nurture and protect children—and urged authorities to move beyond mere sympathy and towards decisive, institutional reform.
“Bullying, by whatever name or form, continues to occur in what is supposed to be our safe havens of education,” the Bar said, quoting former Federal Court Judge Mary Lim Thiam Suan’s judgment in Ahmad Ikhwan bin Ahmad Fauzi v Mohd Fahimi bin Endut & Ors and another appeal [2024] MLJU 684.
The Bar noted that despite heightened public awareness, bullying remains a serious and recurring problem, leading to long-lasting trauma, disrupted education, and in extreme cases, death.
The statement welcomed the recent legislative development — the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act A1750) — which introduces new Sections 507B to 507G to criminalise all forms of bullying, including online harassment, identity misuse, and verbal abuse.
Under the new law, offenders may face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, especially if the bullying results in attempted or completed suicide.
“These reforms must be matched by firm enforcement and a cultural shift in how schools respond to bullying reports,” the Bar stressed.
Zara Qairina and Syamsul Haris Cases Highlight Systemic Failures
The statement highlighted the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir as a deeply troubling example of possible procedural failures. Among the concerns raised were:
- No immediate post-mortem despite visible injuries;
- Reports and warning signs allegedly ignored;
- Allegations of school-based harassment left unaddressed.
The Bar also referred to the recent death of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia student Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, urging the Ministry of Higher Education to uphold its pledge to act firmly if bullying or criminal conduct is found during investigations.
“We cannot continue to have knee-jerk reactions only when tragedy strikes. Proper procedures, preventive measures, and accountability mechanisms must be firmly set in place,” the statement added.
Bar Offers Nationwide Support in Combating Bullying
As part of its commitment, the Malaysian Bar expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government and educational institutions by:
- Launching nationwide school engagement programmes;
- Organising awareness campaigns;
- Conducting educational talks on bullying and students’ rights.
“With more than 24,000 members across the country, the Malaysian Bar can play a meaningful role in educating students, empowering victims, and promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards bullying,” said Ezri.
